Family, friends and congregants are mourning Father Lucio Kariuki, a Catholic priest at Our Lady of the Rosary Doldol Parish, who was found dead in his room on Thursday.
Colleagues grew concerned when the priest failed to appear for morning Mass, prompting Father Vincent Onchweri to check on him at around 6:30am.
Onchweri found the door locked from the inside and received no response despite repeated attempts to reach him.
Police and officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations were called to the scene and forced the door open.
Inside, they found Father Kariuki unresponsive, and he was confirmed dead shortly after.
Before his posting at Doldol, the priest had served at Manunga Parish in Miharati, Kipipiri, within the Nyahururu Diocese.
His burial has been scheduled for September 23.
News of his death spread quickly, with tributes pouring in from congregants, friends and family across social media.
Mercy Nungari wrote that the church community had “lost another prophet,” recounting how Onchweri had discovered him after going to check on him that morning.
Magdalene Nduta paid an emotional tribute, describing Kariuki as more than a priest, but a father, mentor and shepherd who deeply shaped her life and that of her family.
She thanked him for his faithful service and for the love with which he guided his congregation, saying his teachings would remain with them forever.
Another mourner, identified only as Rozzy, shared a deeply personal message describing the priest’s quiet generosity in supporting her education.
She recalled that he had worked hard behind the scenes to pay her school fees, expressing regret that he would not witness her eventual graduation.
She said he had always referred to her as his daughter and consistently encouraged her to work hard despite life’s challenges.
Investigations into the priest’s death are expected to continue as authorities work to establish the exact circumstances surrounding it.